Egg Roll Soup Recipe: A Flavorful and Nutritious Twist on a Classic Favorite
Egg Roll Soup is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of traditional egg rolls into a hearty, broth-based soup. If you’re craving the crispy, savory goodness of egg rolls but prefer something lighter, this recipe is perfect for you. It captures all the delicious flavors of a crispy egg roll in a nutritious, warming soup β ideal for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or a comforting weeknight meal. In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe, nutritional information, and tips on how to customize your Egg Roll Soup. π₯£
Ingredients for Egg Roll Soup:
To make this flavorful soup, you’ll need a combination of simple yet aromatic ingredients. Hereβs what youβll need:
the Soup Base:
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth π (For a lighter base, you can also use vegetable broth)
- 1 cup water π§
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free version) π₯’
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar πΆ
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil π« (adds a nutty flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated πΏ (essential for that egg roll taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced π§
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick) πΆοΈ
the Vegetables:
- 2 cups napa cabbage, thinly sliced π₯¬ (or substitute with regular cabbage)
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced π (you can also use white button mushrooms)
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned π₯
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped π§
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts π± (add extra for crunch and texture)
the Protein:
- 1/2 pound ground pork or chicken π (you can substitute this with tofu for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce π₯’ (adds more umami to the meat)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch πΎ (helps to bind and tenderize the meat)
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped πΏ (adds freshness and a vibrant flavor)
- Additional green onions, sliced π§ (for extra crunch)
- Sesame seeds π₯ (adds a lovely crunch and nuttiness)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Egg Roll Soup:
Making Egg Roll Soup is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. With just a few simple steps, you can create a flavorful, satisfying soup that mimics the taste of egg rolls without the deep frying. Letβs dive into the recipe! π²
1. Prepare the Protein:
Start by preparing the protein, which will form the heart of your soup. In a small bowl, mix the ground pork (or chicken) with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. This mixture ensures the meat stays moist and flavorful as it cooks.
2. Cook the Protein:
Heat a small splash of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated ground meat. Use a spoon to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Continue to cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Once done, remove the cooked protein from the pot and set it aside.
3. SautΓ© the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed, and sautΓ© the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger until fragrant. This usually takes about 1 minute. Make sure not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter. π±
4. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir to combine. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to enhance the soup’s depth of flavor. If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Bring the soup mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the Vegetables:
Once the soup is simmering, itβs time to add the vegetables. Start with the napa cabbage, followed by the shiitake mushrooms and julienned carrots. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still have a bit of crunch. π₯π
6. Add the Protein Back to the Soup:
Add the cooked ground meat back into the pot. Stir the ingredients together and let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and well-mixed.
7. Stir in Bean Sprouts and Green Onions:
At this point, stir in the bean sprouts and chopped green onions. These ingredients will add a delightful freshness and extra crunch to the soup. Let them cook for another 2 minutes, just enough for them to soften slightly.
8. Adjust the Seasoning:
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a saltier flavor, add a touch more soy sauce. You can also increase the red pepper flakes if you like more heat. This is the stage where you can customize the flavor to your liking. πΆοΈ
9. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro, additional green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately while it’s hot and enjoy the amazing flavors of Egg Roll Soup! π
Nutrition Information for Egg Roll Soup:
Egg Roll Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect option for a balanced meal. Hereβs the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 20g π₯©
- Carbohydrates: 15g π
- Fat: 15g π§
- Fiber: 3g πΎ
- Sodium: 800mg β‘
This recipe is low in calories, high in protein, and rich in fiber thanks to the vegetables and the addition of bean sprouts. If you are looking to reduce sodium, you can always opt for low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth. For a lower-fat version, you can also substitute the ground pork with lean ground chicken or tofu. π₯
Tips and Variations for Your Egg Roll Soup:
- Vegetarian Version: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the ground meat and replace it with tofu or extra veggies. Tofu works wonderfully as a meat substitute, absorbing the flavors of the broth while providing protein.
- Make it Spicy: If you love heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even some sriracha sauce to bring the spice level up. This will mimic the spiciness often found in traditional egg rolls. πΆοΈπ₯
- Add Noodles for a Heartier Meal: To make this soup more filling, you can add cooked rice noodles or udon noodles to the broth. This will turn your soup into more of a noodle-based dish, perfect for a cold winter evening. π
- Use Different Mushrooms: If you can’t find shiitake mushrooms, you can use button mushrooms or oyster mushrooms. They each bring a different flavor profile to the soup but still complement the other ingredients well. π
- Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, make sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your broth is gluten-free.
Storage and Leftovers:
This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it on the stove over medium heat. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, simply add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. π²
Internal Linking Opportunities for Egg Roll Soup:
To enhance your readers’ experience, consider adding internal links to other relevant articles on your site. Here are some suggestions that will help your readers explore more recipes and related content:
- How to Make Homemade Egg Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide – This article will teach you how to prepare traditional egg rolls, which is the inspiration behind this soup!
- Top 10 Asian Soups You Must Try – If you’re a fan of Asian flavors, this list of must-try soups is perfect for you.
- Healthy Asian Recipes for the Whole Family – Looking for more healthy recipes? This article covers a variety of Asian dishes that are perfect for your family.
- Exploring the Health Benefits of Ginger – Ginger is a key ingredient in this soup, and this article will help you understand its many health benefits.
- The Best Soy Sauce Substitutes for Cooking – If you’re looking for alternatives to soy sauce, this article offers some great substitutes.
By linking to other relevant articles on your site, you can keep your readers engaged and encourage them to explore more of your content. This not only enhances user experience but also helps improve your site’s SEO. π
Conclusion:
Egg Roll Soup is the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of your favorite egg rolls without the deep frying! This recipe is not only delicious but also customizable to suit various dietary needs. Whether you are craving something spicy, vegetarian, or with noodles, this soup is sure to satisfy. Itβs a healthy, nutritious, and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to explore other related articles on our website to continue your culinary journey! π₯£β¨
PrintEgg Roll Soup Recipe: A Flavorful and Nutritious Twist on a Classic Favorite
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Egg Roll Soup combines all the delicious flavors of a traditional egg roll but in a lighter, broth-based form. This hearty, yet healthy soup is packed with fresh vegetables like napa cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, and carrots, along with savory protein like ground pork or chicken. With the aromatic touch of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, every spoonful brings the perfect balance of umami, warmth, and crunch. Whether youβre craving a comforting meal on a cold night or a quick weeknight dinner, this easy-to-make soup is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
- For the Soup Base:
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth π (vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version)
- 1 cup water π§
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce π₯’
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar πΆ
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil π«
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated πΏ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced π§
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) πΆοΈ
- For the Vegetables:
- 2 cups napa cabbage, thinly sliced π₯¬
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced π (button mushrooms can be used as an alternative)
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned π₯
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped π§
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts π±
- For the Protein:
- 1/2 pound ground pork or chicken π (substitute with tofu for a vegetarian version)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce π₯’
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch πΎ
- For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped πΏ
- Additional green onions, sliced π§
- Sesame seeds π₯
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Protein
In a small bowl, combine ground pork (or chicken) with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Stir until the meat is evenly coated. This helps keep the protein moist and tender while it cooks.
Step 2: Cook the Protein
Heat a small amount of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated ground meat. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the cooked meat from the pot and set it aside.
Step 3: SautΓ© the Aromatics
In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed. SautΓ© the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger until they become fragrant (about 1 minute). Be careful not to burn them.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. If you like a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
Add the napa cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, and julienned carrots to the pot. Stir everything together, and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender yet still have a bit of crunch.
Step 6: Add the Protein Back to the Pot
Return the cooked ground meat to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables. Allow the soup to simmer for another 2-3 minutes so everything is heated through.
Step 7: Stir in the Bean Sprouts and Green Onions
Add the bean sprouts and chopped green onions to the soup. Stir gently and cook for another 2 minutes to allow them to soften slightly.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more soy sauce for saltiness or more red pepper flakes for spice. This is the time to tailor the soup to your preferred taste.
Step 9: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro, extra green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the ground meat and add extra vegetables like tofu, mushrooms, or even edamame for added protein.
- Spicy Version: For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or sriracha. You can also add chili paste for a deeper spice flavor.
- Noodles: If you want to turn this soup into a more filling meal, add cooked rice noodles or udon noodles for extra texture and heartiness.
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 1 month. When reheating, you may need to add extra broth to bring it back to the desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 6g π¬
- Sodium: 800mg β‘
- Fat: 15g π§
- Carbohydrates: 15g π
- Fiber: 3g πΎ
- Protein: 20g π₯©
- Cholesterol: 60mg π³